It’s still very early in the dealmaking process for “A Foreigner,” as Damon still needs to meet again with Paramount on what his plans are for the film, but if the deal is made, it would mark the actor’s directorial debut.

Damon has tried for years to find the right piece of material to direct and came close with last year’s “Promised Land,” in which he ended up just starring in due to scheduling conflicts. He’s long been interested in being involved with a prestige awards-caliber film and “A Foreigner” would seem to fit that type of project.

Penned by “Argo” scribe Chris Terrio and based on the 2011 article “A Murder Foretold” by David Grann, the true story focuses on a murdered Guatemalan man who has videos of his killers distributed after his death in order to uproot the corruption that led to the death of many others.

Steve Zaillian and Garret Basch of Film Rites are producing along with Indian Paintbrush’s Steve Rales, who is also financing.

Damon is repped by WME and was most recently seen in Sony’s “Elysium.”